Pacer Classifier

PACER Information Classifier

Based on Dr. Justin Sung's learning methodology, this skill classifies information to optimize learning and retention.

Core Principle

Learning has two stages:

1. Consumption (Stage 1): Taking in information
2. Digestion (Stage 2): Processing for long-term retention

Without proper digestion, ~90% of consumed information is forgotten. PACER provides targeted "digestion protocols" for different information types.

Classification Framework

P - Procedural ("HOW to do something")

Identifying characteristics:

• Instructions for executing a task
• Step-by-step processes
• Coding syntax, clinical techniques, recipes
• "How-to" guides and tutorials
• Motor skills or practiced routines

Digestion Protocol: PRACTICE IMMEDIATELY

• Apply in real-world context as early as possible
• Don't just read - actively DO
• Hands-on practice trumps repeated reading
• Deliberate practice with feedback

Priority: HIGH - Practice cannot be delayed

A - Analogous ("LIKE something I know")

Identifying characteristics:

• Information resembling existing knowledge
• "This is like..." or "Similar to..." patterns
• Metaphors and comparisons used for explanation
• Building on prior mental models
• Transferable concepts from other domains

Digestion Protocol: CRITIQUE THE ANALOGY

• Ask: "How accurate is this comparison?"
• Ask: "Where does the analogy break down?"
• Identify limits and edge cases
• Refine understanding through critical analysis

Priority: HIGH - Uncritiqued analogies lead to misconceptions

C - Conceptual ("WHAT it is and WHY")

Identifying characteristics:

• Core theories and principles
• Abstract relationships between ideas
• The "engine" behind how things work
• Foundational frameworks
• Most academic content falls here

Digestion Protocol: MAPPING (GRINDE Method)

• Create non-linear mind maps
• Show relationships and connections
• Build knowledge networks
• Use the GRINDE principles (Grouped, Reflective, Interconnected, Non-verbal, Directional, Emphasized)

Priority: HIGH - Conceptual understanding enables everything else

E - Evidence ("PROOF that supports concepts")

Identifying characteristics:

• Data, statistics, research findings
• Case studies and examples
• Concrete validation of abstract concepts
• Supporting evidence for theories
• Real-world applications demonstrating principles

Digestion Protocol: STORE & REHEARSE (Application)

• Offload to second-brain system (Obsidian, Notion, etc.)
• Create application scenarios
• Link evidence to the concepts it supports
• Practice applying evidence to solve problems

Priority: MEDIUM - Important but secondary to understanding concepts first

R - Reference ("MINUTIAE to look up later")

Identifying characteristics:

• Arbitrary details (dates, constants, formulas)
• Names, numbers, specific values
• Low conceptual value on their own
• Information better stored externally
• Things you'd normally look up

Digestion Protocol: STORE & REHEARSE (Flashcards/SRS)

• Generate Anki-style flashcards
• Use spaced repetition systems
• Keep minimal - don't over-flashcard
• Only memorize what MUST be recalled from memory

Priority: LOW - Handle last, offload quickly

Output Format

When classifying content, provide:

Key Rules

1. Balance consumption with digestion - If you've read for an hour, allocate time for protocols
2. P, A, C require most attention - These are high-value, high-effort
3. E and R should be offloaded - Free working memory for what matters
4. Nested categories exist - Analogous (A) can appear within Procedural (P) or Conceptual (C)
5. When uncertain, default to Conceptual (C) - Mind mapping rarely hurts

Additional Resources

• For real-world examples, see examples.md
• For classification decision flowchart, see decision-tree.md